Origin and Meaning of Brunette

A person with brown hair

Origin: French - Derived from the French word 'brun', which means 'brown'. The suffix '-ette' is a diminutive form in French, adding the connotation of 'little' or 'small'.

• Brunette originally referred to a woman with brown hair, but it has also come to describe a general hair color category.
• The term is commonly used in various cultures, but has strong associations with French language and culture.
• Notable references include the famous song 'Brunette' by the band The Cowsills and various fictional characters in literature and film who are described as brunettes.
• In the 20th century, the popularity of brown hair in media often helped the term 'brunette' gain traction, with many celebrities embracing the look.
• Variations of the name include 'Bruno' for males, and the usage of 'brunette' has also made its way into various languages, maintaining similar forms such as 'morena' in Spanish.